ROD Ministries, Restoration Outreach of Dallas

06/12/2026

A Letter to My Younger Self

If I could sit down with the younger version of me, I wouldn't give him a shortcut. I wouldn't tell him how every chapter ends.

I'd simply tell him:

Keep going.

The heartbreak won't last forever.
The failures won't define you.
The closed doors are protecting you.
And the prayers you think God forgot are still being answered.

Everything you're walking through is shaping the person you're becoming.

Trust God.
Trust the process.
Trust the timing.

One day you'll look back and realize that what felt like a setback was actually God setting the stage for something greater.

What would you tell your younger self? 👇

06/11/2026

🌟 Ambassador Appreciation Spotlight 🌟

Today we are honored to recognize Bob Landers, who is serving in his 7th year as a Restoration Outreach of Dallas Ambassador.

Bob's journey with ROD began in 2017 when he went to work for ROD founder Dick LeBlanc's company and became familiar with the ministry through its financial operations. After meeting with Dr. Jeff Parker and visiting the ministry firsthand, he knew God was calling him to be involved.

One of my favorite things Bob shared was this:

"When people ask me if I am involved in prison ministry, I tell them no. I serve in a men's discipleship program that meets at a prison."

What surprised Bob most wasn't entering the prison; it was discovering how much the ministry would impact his own life. Through years of faithful service, God has blessed him with deep relationships, lifelong friendships, and the privilege of watching lives transformed through Christ.

In fact, Bob says if he had to choose between Sunday morning church and Wednesday night at Hutchins, he would choose Wednesday nights because of the honesty, openness, and life change he witnesses among the men each week.

A few fun facts about Bob:
📚 He is an avid reader who "devours" books, often finishing a novel every week.
🏈 He loves sports and has a highly competitive spirit.
❤️ He credits his childhood and being raised by a hardworking single parent for developing his lifelong love of reading.

Thank you, Bob, for your faithful service, servant leadership, and unwavering commitment to discipling men behind bars and beyond. Your impact reaches far beyond what can be measured.

"Entrusting the message to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." — 2 Timothy 2:2

💙

06/10/2026

What’s something prison ministry changed in YOU?

Most people ask what prison ministry does for the men behind the walls.

But if you've served long enough, you realize God is changing you too.

Maybe it taught you patience.
Maybe it humbled you.
Maybe it helped you stop judging people by their worst mistake.
Maybe it showed you that redemption is real.
Maybe it strengthened your faith in ways you never expected.

For me, prison ministry has been a constant reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace.

I'd love to hear from those who have served in prison ministry, reentry, mentoring, or discipleship:

What’s something prison ministry changed in YOU?

👇 Share your answer in the comments.

06/10/2026

Every lesson taught is more than information—it's an opportunity for transformation.

Behind these classroom walls, men are learning biblical principles, building character, strengthening relationships, and preparing for a better future.

Lives are being restored one lesson, one conversation, and one step of faith at a time.

Thank you to our volunteers, supporters, and prayer partners who make this ministry possible. Your investment is making an eternal impact.

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it." — Philippians 1:6

06/08/2026

Can I ask you something?

What has God restored in your life?

Maybe it was your peace.
Maybe your marriage.
Maybe your health.
Maybe your joy.
Maybe your relationship with Him.

Sometimes we get so focused on what's still broken that we forget to thank God for what He's already rebuilt.

Today, I'm taking a moment to remember His faithfulness.

Drop one word or one thing God has restored in your life. Let's encourage each other. 💙💙💙

"He restores my soul." — Psalm 23:3

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

🌿 Bible Wellness Tip — Day 1: Peace
By: Derek Washington

Before you check your phone, answer emails, or start your to-do list, take 5 slow, deep breaths and sit quietly with the Lord.

God often restores us in stillness, not in striving.

"Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10

Today's Reminder:
Peace is productive too.

Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is pause, breathe, and remember that God is in control.

06/05/2026

🚔 1 Thing People Never Think About

Most people think prison is the punishment.

But for many men, prison is actually the first place they have ever experienced consistency.

Consistent meals.
Consistent rules.
Consistent structure.

What they often return to is chaos.

No job.
No transportation.
No support system.
No healthy relationships.
No one teaching them how to build a different life.

That's why restoration is about more than getting someone out of prison.

It's about helping them stay out.

Real change happens when people are given truth, accountability, community, and hope.

That is why prison ministry matters.
That is why aftercare matters.
That is why restoration matters.

Because freedom isn't just walking out of a prison gate.

Freedom is learning how to live differently once you're outside.

"Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." — John 8:36

06/04/2026

🚪 THEN & NOW

A prison sentence may end, but the challenges do not.

Years ago, many returning citizens left prison with little support, limited opportunities, and few resources to help them succeed. Today, the cost of living is higher than ever, and the obstacles to rebuilding a life can feel overwhelming.

But there is hope.

At Restoration Outreach of Dallas, we believe a person’s past does not have to define their future. Through biblical teaching, mentoring, community, and practical support, men are finding purpose, stability, and a new direction in Christ.

THEN:
🔹 Behind bars
🔹 Limited opportunities
🔹 Little hope
🔹 Struggling to start over

NOW:
🔹 Walking in freedom
🔹 Building a future
🔹 Finding purpose
🔹 Giving back to others

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17

Every restored life is proof that change is possible and hope is real.

Learn more: rodministries.org

06/03/2026

🌿 June Newsletter Now Available 🌿

"Abide in Me and I in You." — John 15

What does it truly mean to abide in Christ?

In this month's newsletter, we explore the powerful imagery of the True Vine and the branches found in John 15 and how lasting transformation only comes through a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ.

Inside this issue:
✅ A special message on abiding in Christ and bearing lasting fruit
✅ Ambassador Feature: Stephen Arnold's powerful testimony and faithful service at the Hutchins Unit
✅ The Turning Point Christmas Campaign and ways you can help bring hope behind prison walls
✅ Information about our upcoming ROD Breakfast: Abiding in Me & I in You
✅ Opportunities to become a monthly ROD Sustainer and help restore lives impacted by incarceration

Every day, we witness God changing lives inside prison walls and beyond. Thank you for being part of this mission of restoration, hope, and second chances.

Together, we are restoring lives, equipping men, and discipling behind bars and beyond.

📖 Read the newsletter and discover how God is continuing to work through ROD Ministries.

https://rodministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Newsletter-June.html